More Italian troops to safeguard Florence

Florence (Italy), May 9 (IANS/AKI) A total of 55 more soldiers have arrived in the central city of Florence to protect its ‘sensitive sites’ as Italy remains on high alert against possible terrorist attacks.

The reinforcements announced by the government bring to 155 the number of troops deployed in the city, whose art treasures and monuments are among Italy’s top tourist attractions.

The soldiers will guard sensitive sites and patrol Florence’s streets alongside police, the city’s prefect or top government representative said.

Italy boosted security in its major cities and transport hubs in the wake of the bombings of Brussels international airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded over 300 in March.

The Brussels attacks were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, which has vowed to carry out further attacks against ‘Crusader’ targets.

The IS earlier took credit for the 13 November 2015 terrorist assault on Paris which left 130 people dead and injured over 350.